Birthday Quote of the Day for November 26th, Former Mets Manager Jeff Torborg

Happy Birthday to long time catcher and Mets Manager, Jeff Torborg.  As a catcher, Torborg has the distinction of catching Sandy Koufax's perfect game and Nolan Ryan's first no-hitter. 

He served as Mets manager in 1992 and 1993.  On top of a long career, he had a great sense of humor,

Quote of the Day,

"I know Jim, but the outfielders are."

--Jeff Torborg, after taking Jim Kern out a game even though Kern said he wasn't tired

JULY 18TH METS BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY: ROBERT GSELLMAN

Happy Mets Birthday to Robert Gsellman born on this day in 1993.

"When you have superior stuff like he has, you're going to succeed and that's what he is finding out."
--Frank Viola, on Gsellman's early success

METS BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY FOR JULY 17TH---ROY McMILLAN

Slick fielding Mets shortstop Roy McMillan was born on July 17th, 1929. He spent the last three years of his 16 year career with the Mets. In the early part of his career with the Reds, he was a three time gold glove winner and all-star.

"People have said for years that McMillan is about the best shortstop in the National League."
--Charlie Dressen

RALPH KINER QUOTE OF THE DAY ABOUT DARRYL STRAWBERRY

Today's Mets quote of the day is brought to you by none other than Ralph Kiner talking about Darryl Strawberry,

"Darryl Strawberry has been voted to the Hall of Fame five years in a row."
--Ralph Kiner

MASATO YOSHII METS BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY

Happy Birthday to one time Mets pitcher, Masato Yoshii born on this day in 1965.

Yoshii pitched in the majors from 1998-2002, the first two of which were with the Mets. In those two years, he compiled a record of 18-16.

He was a very funny guy as witnessed by his Mets birthday quote of the day,

"Out in the stands, drinking beer and yelling, 'Get Yoshii in there'"--Masato Yoshii, asking what he would be doing if he were not on the Mets post season roster

FRANK VIOLA METS BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY FOR APRIL 19TH

Happy Birthday to former Cy Young Award winner and one time Mets twenty game winner, Frank Viola. Frankie V was born on this day in 1960.

Even though I never met Frank Viola, I felt a kinship with him because he was two years behind me in high school. I know of him in high school because even in tenth grade he was a standout basketball player.

So I followed his MLB career from Day One. I remember his Cy Young Award season in '88 and of course his MVP performance in the '87 World Series for the Twins.

I also remember fondly when he pitched for us and won twenty games in 1990. It is great that he is still associated with the Mets as Triple A pitching coach and a Noah Syndergaard mentor.

In honor of his great baseball geographic lineage and his great player, he is today's recipient of the Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day,

"He's an artist. I love watching him work."
--Sparky Anderson, talking about Frankie V

DOUG FLYNN METS BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY FOR APRIL 18

One time Met Doug Flynn was born on this day in 1951. Of course most Mets fans know him for being part of the deal that sent Tom Seaver to the Reds. Not a gala day in Mets history.

Though not a great hitter during his tenure with the Mets (he hit .234), he was a terrific fielding second baseman and in 1980 became only the third Met in history to win a Gold Glove.

The Mets great fielding shortstop Bud Harrelson said of the fielding of Flynn,

"The best second baseman on the pivot is Doug Flynn. He's like Bill Mazeroski, a blur."
--Bud Harrelson

AL LEITER METS QUOTE OF THE DAY

Today's quote comes to us from the very quotable, Al Leiter. As baseball fans know, Leiter was a very solid major league pitcher who put in several good years with the Mets.

Leiter also had the good fortune of playing on three World Series winning teams. Unfortunately, he did have a losing World Series as well and that was when he pitched for the Mets against the Yankees in the 2000 World Series.

This led to this quote from Leiter,

"Losing the World Series feels as bad as winning one feels good."
--Al Leiter

TOM SEAVER METS QUOTE OF THE DAY

Today's Mets Quote of the Day is brought to you by the greatest of all Mets, Tom Seaver. Not a funny one but a philosophical one. Good to mix it up every once in awhile

"If you're a baseball fan, you're a history fan. This is history and that's the best part of being a baseball fan. It brings back memories you have when you first fell in love with the game."
--Tom Seaver

1962 AMAZING METS BASEBALL QUOTE OF THE DAY

Today's Quote about the Amazing 1962 Mets is brought to you my long time New York Times sports columnist and author, Robert Lipsyte

Talking about the 1962 Mets, he said, "The Mets have only three weaknesses---pitching, batting and fielding."

RON SWOBODA METS WORLD SERIES QUOTE OF THE DAY

One of the all-time great Mets is Ron 'Rocky' Swoboda. When you think about the team history, he immediately comes to mind. He was a mainstay with the Mets for many years, known mostly for his power. He also is known for one of the greatest catches in Mets history in Game 4 of the 1969 World Series against the Orioles.

The famous 9th inning catch off the bat of Brooks Robinson helped them win Game 4 and they went on to win Game 5 to win the World Series.

Of the  Amazing Mets World Series victory, Swoboda said, "It will give heart to every loser in America."

JACK HAMILTON METS HILARIOUS QUOTE OF THE DAY

Jack Hamilton pitched for the Mets in the mid 1960's. The Mets manager at the time was Wes Westrum who replaced Casey Stengel.

Westrum tried to be a disciplinarian with the Mets. He put on a bed check for the players which led to his very funny quote from Jack Hamilton,

"You mean it was OK before that."
--Jack Hamilton, after Westrum passed down the edict saying that there would be no longer be women allowed in a player's hotel room.

WHITEY HERZOG METS QUOTE OF THE DAY

Today's Mets Quote of the Day is brought to you by The White Rat, Whitey Herzog. The Hall of Fame Manager is known for his great years with the Royals and Cardinals.

He is also known for a great sense of humor which he displayed when talking about the 1988 New York Mets.

"Nobody should be 4-1 favorites unless it's the 1927 Yankees and they're too old."
--Whitey Herzog, talking about the Mets being 4-1 favorites to win the 1988 World Series before the year started

Love those baseball quotes than view over 11,000 of them at www.baseballquotations.com

TEN GREATEST OPENING DAY QUOTES RANKED FROM 10 TO 1

In honor of one of the greatest days of the year, Opening Day, check out my sports quotation man blog, for a list of the Top Ten Opening Day Quotes of all-time at

www.sportsquotation.blogspot.com/

Enjoy and Go Mets!

RUSTY STAUB METS BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY FOR APRIL 1

Happy Birthday to an all-time great Mets hitter, Rusty Staub. Staub was born on April 1, 1944.  He started his career with the Astros but ended up being traded to the Expos where he became a legend. He was loved in Montreal and was nicknamed Le Grande Orange, for his red hair.

The Mets traded for Staub in 1972, sending the Expos three players in the trade----Tim Foli, Mike Jorgensen and Ken Singleton. Between his injuries, Staub had some very productive years with the Mets. In 1975, he became the first player in Mets history to drive in over 100 rbi's in a season.  He ended his career with 2716 hits and five all-start appearances. He was also one of the greatest hitters in Mets history.

In honor of his years with the Mets, he is today's recipient of the Mets Baseball Quote of The Day,

"He could roll out of bed in winter and get a base hit."
--Bill Giles, on Rusty Staub

RON GARDENHIRE FUNNY METS QUOTE OF THE DAY

Many of us Mets fans remember Ron Gardenhire fondly. He was a tenacious second baseman who was also a decent fielder and clutch hitter. He also went on to fame as the long time successful manager of the Minnesota Twins.

He is the recipient of today's funny Mets Quote of the Day,

"I'm being showcased on the bench. They have me sitting where people can see me."
--Ron Gardenhire, on rumors that the Mets were planning to trade him

ROGERS HORNSBY METS BASEBALL INSULT QUOTE OF THE DAY

The great Rogers Hornsby served as a batting instructor with the original Amazing Mets of 1962.

To say he was disappointed by the 1962 Mets draft would be a major understatement.

Hornsby's quote of the Mets 1962 Expansion Draft is the Mets Baseball Quote of the Day,

"They say we're going to get players out of a grab bag. From what I see, it's going to be a garbage back."
--Rogers Hornsby, insulting the players in the 1962 expansion draft chosen by the Mets

CASEY STENGEL METS QUOTE OF THE DAY FOR MARCH 29

Today, we feature another classic quote about the 'Amazing Mets' of the early 60's from the mouth of the greatest quote maker in baseball history, Casey Stengel

"Not a bit, we lose at any altitude."
--Casey Stengel, asked if the Mets loss in an exhibition game was impacted by the altitude in Mexico City 

MATT HARVEY METS BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY FOR MARCH 27TH

Happy 28th birthday to the Dark Knight, Matt Harvey. All Mets fans are familiar with the ups and downs of Harvey's career. He is the most talented home grown Mets pitcher since Dwight Gooden. Unfortunately, injuries have taken their toll.

Despite the injuries, he was a 2013 All-Star, the 2015 Comeback Player of the Year and at 28, a pitcher still filled with enormous potential.

In honor of his birthday, Matt Harvey is the Mets Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day,

"He's a horse. He's got four plus pitches, throws them all for strikes, great demeanor out there on the mound. The Mets are in good shape. He's a cornerstone for them."
--Alex Rodriguez

RALPH KINER METS QUOTE OF THE DAY

What better way to celebrate the almost conclusion of Spring Training with a Ralph Kiner quote,

"The Mets are winless in the month of Atlanta."

LEE MAZZILLI METS BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY FOR MARCH 25TH

Happy birthday to Mets icon, Lee Mazzilli. He was known in his prime as the Italian Stallion for his looks and his play on the field.

In several of the toughest Mets years, Maz was the star of the team. Later on, he was integral to the Mets great teams of the mid '80's.

In honor of his Mets playing days, he is our Mets baseball quote of the day,

"When we go on the road, I'll room with Mazzilli."
--Don Zimmer, on Mazzilli's popularity and looks during his playing days

 

 

 

IKE DAVIS METS BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY FOR MARCH 22

Happy Birthday to one time Mets phenom Ike Davis, born on March 22nd.

Davis became an immediate impact player with the Mets when he came up in April of 2010. Davis, the son of former Major League pitcher, Ron Davis took New York by storm. In his rookie year, he hit 19 home runs and drove in 71 runs. His home run total was tied for the second highest by a rookie in Mets history.

In his injury shortened 2011 season, he still hit .302 in 36 games. In the 2012 season, even though he only hit .227, he did hit 32 home runs. Due to his injuries and inconsistencies, the Mets traded him to the Pirates in the 2014 season.

Mets fans remember Davis admirably for the positive buzz he created for the Mets when they really needed a star.

In his honor, we present the Mets Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day to Ike Davis.

"I think he's going to be one of the premier first basemen in baseball."
--Terry Collins, sizing up Davis early in his career

JIMMY BRESLIN METS QUOTE OF THE DAY FOR MARCH 20TH

Another quote about the Mets from the great Jimmy Breslin.

"Marvelous Marv (Marv Thronberry) was holding down first base. This is like saying Willie Sutton works in your bank."
--Jimmy Breslin

JIMMY BRESLIN METS QUOTE OF THE DAY FOR MARCH 19TH

In honor of the passing of the brilliant columnist Jimmy Breslin, we give you the Mets baseball quote of the day.

For those to young to remember, Breslin was a bad ass columnist who was on top of New York's political scene like no one else. He took no prisoner but he did it was a wry humor. Plus, he was a huge baseball fan who even wrote the classic, Mets book, 'The Gang that Couldn't Shoot Straight',

Here is his hilarious one liner about the 1962 Mets,

"Never has so much misery loved so much company."
Jimmy Breslin---on the huge crowds that the awful 1962 Mets team would draw

FUNNY METS QUOTE OF THE DAY FOR MARCH 18TH

No major Mets birthdays today, so we go back through Mets history for a funny quote of the day.

Mackey Sasser was a long time back up catcher to Hall of Famer Gary Carter. Sasser was a terrific hitter who hit .291 in 1989 and .307 in 1990. However, Sasser had some defensive issues and unfortunately developed an issue with the ability to throw the ball back to the pitcher.

Sasser was also known as a funny guy who like Ralph Kiner was known for his malapropisms.

Here is a classic Sasser line about his pregnant wife.

"I just talked to the Doctor. He told me her contraptions were an hour apart."
--Mackey Sasser, on being told he had to go to the hospital because his wife was giving birth

CURTIS GRANDERSON METS BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY FOR MARCH 15

Happy Birthday to one of the classiest of all the Mets--Curtis Granderson. In 2016, Granderson was the recipient of the Roberto Clemente Award recognizing his charitable contribution to baseball.

Granderson has also been a terrific player over his career. He is a three time All-Star and a Silver Slugger recipient. He is also the heart and soul of the Mets. Love the way he plays and how he handles himself on and off the field.

He is well deserving of the Mets Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day,

"I've said this before, that I long to be as consistent as human being as Curtis is."
--Daniel Murphy

CASEY STENGEL METS BASEBALL INSULT OF THE DAY

Not much news on the March 14th birthday front for the Mets, so instead I focused my attention on some of Casey's greatest Mets quotes.

We all know that he managed the expansion 1962 Amazing Mets, one of the worst teams in baseball history. Casey was a great manager for them, providing advice, strategy and quick wit.

When the 'Amazin's were having trouble with catching fly ball in 1962,

Casey said of his young not so talented team's outfield defense, "We're still working on grounders."

DARRYL STRAWBERRY METS BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY FOR MARCH 12

Happy Birthday to the greatest power hitter in Mets history, Darryl Strawberry, born March 12, 1962.

Strawberry played in the majors from 1983--1999. From 1983--1990, he played with the Mets.

He was an 8 x all-star, 1983 Rookie of the Year and was a Silver Slugger Award winner. He led the National League in home runs in 1988 and every year he was with the Mets, he hit at least 25 home runs. That only really begins to describe the kind of player he meant to Mets fans.

He had superstar talent and every time he came up, he was capable of hitting a ball 450 feet. His days with the Mets were controversial, but also incredibly exciting. There has never been a player quite like Strawberry who has ever played for the Mets.

www.baseballquotations.com has lots of Strawberry quotes, but I will leave you with this one from Tim McCarver that describes that incredible power.

"One day Darryl Strawberry will hit a baseball further than anyone has ever hit a baseball before."
--Tim McCarver

"One day Darryl Strawberry will hit a baseball further than anyone has ever hit a baseball before."
--Tim McCarver

STEVE REED METS MIDDLE RELIEF BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY

Steve Reed was born on this day in 1965. Reed spent his career as a middle relief pitcher. He played for the Mets briefly in 2002, pitching in 24 games with a 2.08 ERA.

He is probably best known in Mets history for being traded to the Mets from the Padres. In return for Reed, the Mets sent the Padres Jason Bay. Yes, the same Jason Bay who the Mets signed as a free agent in 2010.  We all know how that turned out.

The Mets Baseball Quote of the Day is Reed's description of middle relief pitchers

"We are the lowest creatures on earth."
--Steve Reed, on being a middle relief pitcher

KEN MACKENZIE METS BASEBALL BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY FOR MARCH 10

Happy Birthday to original Met, Ken MacKenzie, who actually had a winning record for the 1962 Mets. He was 5-4 that year. Hall of Fame worthy numbers for that team.

MacKanzie was also known for being a very smart guy who was a graduate of Yale from 1957, which led to this classic Casey Stengel line.

"Yes, but with the highest earned run average."
--Casey Stengel, after MacKenzie said he was the lowest paid Yale graduate from the Class of 1957

DAVID WRIGHT METS BASEBALL QUOTE OF THE DAY

As we are less than a month till the season starts, my thoughts are with David Wright. Here's hoping The Captain can come back and have a wonderful season. Naysayers be damned.

In his honor, here is the Mets Baseball Quote of the Day,

"I just want to taste what it's like to win in New York."
--David Wright

SPARKY ANDERSON WITH THE METS BASEBALL QUOTE OF THE DAY

Today's Mets baseball quote of the day is from Hall of Fame Manager Sparky Anderson about Hall of Fame Mets Manager Casey Stengel

"I don't believe a manager ever won a pennant. Casey Stengel won all those pennants with the Yankees. How many did he win with the Boston Braves and the Mets?"
--Sparky Anderson

METS BASEBALL QUOTE OF THE DAY

Today's Quote is about the Amazing Mets of 1962, under the leadership of Casey Stengel.

"We are a much improved ball club, now we lose in extra innings."
--Casey Stengel, on the Amazing Mets

MARCH 4 METS BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY: JACK FISHER

Former Mets pitcher Jack Fisher was born on this day in 1939. Fisher played in the majors from 1959-1969. He was with the Mets from 1964--1967.

He did not exactly have a stellar career with the Mets. His record was 38 and 73 with a 4.58 ERA. He lost 24 games in 1965.

He is most known in Mets history for starting the first game ever for the Mets in Shea Stadium and of course giving up the first home run in Shea Stadium history to future Hall of Famer Willie Stargell (at least he didn't give it up to some obscure player).

He is famous also for two other home runs when pitching for other teams. He gave up Roger Maris' 60th in 1961 and Ted Williams final home run.

Despite all those numbers, he did have decent years in his career that was the impetus for Casey Stengel to provide us with today's, Mets Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day,

"Best thing wrong with Jack Fisher is nothing."
--Casey Stengel,

BOB UECKER WITH THE NEW YORK METS QUOTE OF THE DAY

Baseball funny man, Bob Uecker provides us with the New York Mets Quote of the Day,

"Career highlights--I had 2--I got an intentional walk from Sandy Koufax and I got out of a rundown against the Mets"
--Bob Uecker

ED KRANEPOOL METS QUOTE OF THE DAY

Legendary Met player Ed Kranepool was not born today, but he does get our Mets Quote of the Day.

When he was asked to describe the Mets from the 1962--1968, Kraneppol said,

"It was a seven year losing streak."

Michael Conforto Mets Birthday Quote for March 1

Happy birthday to Mets outfielder, Michael Conforto. Conforto was the Mets first round pick in the 2014 MLB draft.

When the Mets put him in the lineup in late July of 2015, he had an immediate positive impact. He ended up hitting .270 for the year with 26 ribbies and 9 home runs in only 179 at bats. He had a great World Series, hitting .333 with two home runs. He also became only the third player in baseball history to play in the Little League World Series, College World Series and Major League Baseball World Series.

Unfortunately, as all Mets fans know, he had a disappointing 2016 season after a hot start. He ended up hitting .226 with 42 ribbies and 12 home runs.

Here's great hope for a terrific 2017 season.

"He goes up every time and every time he gets in the batters' box, you'd think he was going to hit one in the seats."
--Terry Collins

SAGE ADVICE FROM TUG MCGRAW--METS QUOTE OF THE DAY

Not a lot of Mets birthdays today so we are going back to the treasure trove of quotes from all-time great Met, Tug McGraw.

Here is some wonderful advice from McGraw regarding rooting interests,

"Root only for the winner. That way you won't be disappointed."
--Tug McGraw

KEVIN PLAWICKI METS BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY

Happy Birthday to Mets Catcher, Kevin Plawicki. Wouldn't it be something if he had a turn around year. He certainly has potential. In 2015, though he only hit .219, he showed poise and confidence. Last year was a tough one, but hopefully, he will follow up with the kind of numbers he put up in Las Vegas.

Today's Mets Birthday Quote of the Day is from Kevin Plawicki talking about Jacob deGrom.

"It's like a video game out there with him."
--Kevin Plawicki, talking about the accuracy and consistency of Jacob deGrom

ED LYNCH METS BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY FOR FEBRUARY 25TH

Happy Mets birthday to 'Big' (always referred to as Big by Bob Murphy) Ed Lynch. The Mets pitcher was on the team from 1980--1986. He spent the rest of 1986 and '87 with the Cubs.

He had some solid years with the Mets including a 10-8 record in 1985 with a 3.44 ERA. His career Mets record was 38--40. After finishing his career with the Cubs, he went on to Law School and eventually became the Cubs GM for several years.

Unfortunately for Lynch, he was traded mid way through the Mets 1986 World Series winning season. He was traded for two guys named Dave who did not do much in the majors.

Lynch was upset about the trade recognizing the great talent the Mets had that year which would likely (thankfully) result in a big post season run.

His Mets Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day was about that trade.

"Getting traded was like being sent to a different family on Christmas Day."
--Ed Lynch

RON HUNT METS BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY FOR FEBRUARY 23RD

Happy Mets Birthday to Ron Hunt, born on February 23rd, 1941. Hunt was one of the few shining lights in the Mets early years, staring for them at second base. He played with them from 1963-66. In his rookie year of 1963, he finished second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting to Pete Rose.

He along with Jim Hickman was traded to the Dodgers in 1966 for Tommy 'Machine Gun' Davis. Besides being a steady second baseman, Hunt got most of his notoriety for his Hit by Pitch Records. In 1971, he set an all-time season record with 56. When he retired, he held the record of most HBP's in a career with 243. The record was since surpassed by first Don Baylor and then Craig Biggio.

In honor of his solid career and his three very productive years with the Mets, Ron Hunt is today's Mets Birthday Quote of the Day.

"I used to call him nap time. He got those sleepy eyelids. He looks like he is always about to fall off for an hour's nap. That is until he gets on the field. Then he doesn't miss a thing."
--Roger Craig, on Ron Hunt

KELLY JOHNSON METS BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY FOR FEBRUARY 22ND

Kelly Johnson was born on this day in 1982. Can I just say, over the last two years, Kelly Johnson has been my favorite Met.

I love everything about him--the way he plays, his demeanor on the field and mostly what a clutch ballplayer he is. I am not happy that the Mets do not appear to be signing him for the 2017 season---big mistake. I know the running gag is that we will trade for him in July or August but there is no guarantee of that.

Johnson's MLB career started in 2005. He has played for eleven teams over his long career. Of course as Mets fans, we are most interested in the 2015 and 2016 seasons. In 2015, he hit .250 with 13 ribbies and 5 home runs in 128 at bats. I bet all five were clutch home runs. He did even better last year when he had 183 at bats with a .268 average and 24 ribbies and 9 home runs. Plus, wherever the Mets put him, he fielded the position with expertise.

In honor of my favorite Met of the last few years, Kelly Johnson is the recipient of the Mets Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day,

"He's been huge...He's a guy who can come off the bench and put him in the field or at the plate and he can get the job done."
--Terry Collins, on Kelly Johnson

TUG MCGRAW METS QUOTE OF THE DAY

No Mets were born today, February 21, so we have been featuring the many funny quotes of Tug 'Ya Gotta Believe' McGraw.  He is a font of humor and is greatly missed by baseball fans.

Today's McGraw quote is about relief pitching...

"Some days you tame the tiger. Other days the tiger has you for lunch."
McGraw---talking about relief pitching

I have noticed a real uptick in the number of hits to this blog which is great. Please consider supporting the advertisers on this blog and also come visit www.baseballquotations.com with over 11,000 baseball quotes including hundreds of Mets quotes.

LIVAN HERNANDEZ FEBRUARY 20TH METS BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY

Happy Birthday to 18 year MLB veteran pitcher, Livan Hernandez. Between 1996--2012, he played for ten different teams. The Boys from Flushing were one of those teams.

Over his long and successful career, he was a two time all-star and most impressively, the MVP of the 1997 World Series with the Marlins.

Unfortunately, his time with the Mets was not a particularly  successful one. He was the Mets 5th starter in the 2009 season. I thought it was a great move at the time. Shows how much I know as he went 7 and 8 in 135 innings with an ERA of 5.47. He was released by the Mets in the end of August of 2009.

Despite his not great numbers with the Mets, he still was a terrific pitcher over his long career and very deserving of our Mets Baseball Quote of the Day which probably means almost as much to him as the 1997 World Series MVP Award.

"He is a great pitcher and I have respect for him."
--Edgardo Alfonzo,  I know it is not the most exciting quote but it very well sums up his career.

Hundreds of Mets Quotes for your viewing pleasure at www.baseballquotations.com

TIM BURKE METS BIRTHDAY QUOTE OF THE DAY FOR FEBRUARY 19TH

Happy Birthday to former Mets relief pitcher, Tim Burke, born on February 19th, 1959.

Burke was not only an all-star (not with the Mets unfortunately) but he was also a deeply religious and charitable person. He and his wife adopted four children and he gave up his career to raise his kids.

In Mets lore, he is likely known mostly for being traded to the Mets from the Expos for Mets legend, Ron Darling. He was acquired on July 15th, 1991 and had a 3 and 3 record with the Mets with a 2.72 ERA. His 1992 numbers with the Mets--not so good. Before being traded to the Yankees for 'Big' Lee Gutterman (there was a rule back then that whenever you referenced Lee Gutterman, you had to put 'Big' before his name), he posted a 1 and 2 record with a 5.74 ERA.

He was certainly a good pitcher in his day especially his years with the Expos, but he also seems like an exemplary and charitable person which means a hell of a lot more than a baseball career (at least sometimes).

The Mets Baseball Birthday Quote of the Day was a question to Burke about what kind of baseball player he thought Jesus Christ would be,

"If Jesus was on the field, he'd be pitching inside and breaking up the double play."
--Tim Burke

TUG MCGRAW METS QUOTE OF THE DAY

Why are closers among the quirkiest and funniest of players (i.e. Sparky Lyle, Dan Quisenberry, The Goose, etc.)? Must be all the pressure. Tug McGraw clearly fits that category. Not only was he funny, quirky and a great quote maker but he was a hell of a pitcher.

He spent his career as a Mets and Phillie. Besides being a great pitcher, he was responsible for the  Mets1973 World Series run chant, 'Ya Gotta Believe'. He is also known for being the father of country singer Tim McGraw.

For a laugh of the day, here is one of the many great Tug McGraw Quotes.

"I have no trouble with the 12 inches between my elbow and my palm. It's the seven inches between my ears that's bent."
--Tug McGraw

Love baseball quotes than what are you waiting for, go to www.baseballquotations.com for thousands of great baseball quotes.

PASSING FIVE YEARS AGO OF GARY CARTER IN QUOTES

The Kid, Gary Carter, passed away five years ago today. What a wonderful person and  a hell of a ballplayer. He was one of the leaders of the Mets last successful World Series victory in 1986 and he was a Hall of Fame catcher.

Among his many accomplishments include, 11 x All-Star, 3 x Gold Glove, 5 x Silver Slugger and the 1984 NL RBI leader. He was voted to the Expos and Mets Hall of Fame on top of his selection to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

"He made the Mets better the day he arrived."
--George Vecsey

We miss you Kid!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BARRY JONES AND YOUR SHORT STRANGE METS CAREER

Mets pitcher Barry Jones was born on February 15, 1963. He played for a lot of teams over his career including the Pirates, White Sox, Expos and Phillies. His career record was 33 and 33 with a 3.66 ERA and 23 saves.

However, it is his brief Mets career that is most interesting. He pitched in 17 games for the Mets in 1992. In 15 innings, he had a very impressive 2-0 record and had a save. That's all great stuff and would sound wonderful on the surface but his ERA in the 17 games was 9.39. Talk about run support.

Today's Quote is a bad prediction about Barry Jones from Ray Miller.

"Someday he is going to be a great closer. He has the perfect attitude for it."
--Ray Miller, talking about Barry Jones

BOBBY VALENTINE QUOTE FOR VALENTINES DAY

What better day for a quote about Bobby Valentine than Valentine's Day.

Most Mets fans remember him as the team's manager from 1996--2002. He was described as colorful, controversial, a visionary and a sharp baseball mind.

During his tenure, he led them to the World Series and had a record of 536 and 467, a .534 winning percentage.

My favorite quote about him actually comes from his days as the Manager of the Texas Rangers.

"He was like a college professor. I thought he had tenure."
--Mike Macfarlane, after Valentine was fired as the Rangers manger after eight years

MARV THRONBERRY METS QUOTES OF THE DAY PART 2

Another day and another classic Mets Marv Thronberry Quote.

"What's Frank trying to do? Steal all my fans."
--Marv Thronberry, after teammate Frank Thomas made two errors in a game

MARV THRONBERRY METS QUOTE OF THE DAY

There were few players in the history of the Mets that most symbolized their futility than 'Marvelous' Marv Thronberry. There were a lot worse players than Thronberry but he seemed to really capture the undivided attention of Mets Manager Casey Stengel. Also, he did some pretty stupid things over his career that made him worthy of his nickname.

Though it is not technically a Mets Birthday Quote of the Day since it is not his birthday, I wanted to include this while on break from the birthday's of any big name Mets players (though Lenny Randle was born today who did hit .304 for the Mets in 1977 with 583 at bats.

Happy Marv Thronberry Quote Day,

"We were going to get a birthday cake, but we figured you'd drop it."
--Casey Stengel, on Marv Thronberry's birthday